"an' when we're done we shall have
tea; but if you'd like it sooner--"

"No, no, skipper, I'll wait. Though I'm just come from the shore, you
don't take me for an impatient land-lubber, do you? Go, finish your
work, and I'll rest a bit. I've been ill, you see, an' can't stand as
much as I used to," he added apologetically.

When left alone, Captain Bream's mode of resting himself was to go down
on his knees and thank God for having brought him to so congenial a
resting-place on the world of waters, and to pray that he might be made
use of to His glory while there.

How that prayer was answered we shall see.

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE.

ANOTHER FIGHT AND--VICTORY!

It is interesting to observe the curious, and oftentimes unlikely, ways
in which the guilt of man is brought to light, and the truth of that
word demonstrated--"Be sure your sin shall find you out."

Although John Gunter's heart was softened at the time of his old
skipper's death, it was by no means changed, so that, after a brief
space, it became harder than ever, and the man who had been melted--to
some extent washed--returned, ere long, with increased devotion to his
wallowing in the mire. This made him so disagreeable to his old
comrades, that they became anxious to get rid of him, but Joe Davidson,
whose disposition was very hopeful, hesitated; and the widow, having a
kindly feeling towards the man because he had sailed with her husband,
did not wish him to be dismissed.

Thus it came to pass that when Captain Bream joined the Short Blue fleet
he was still a member of the crew of the new _Evening Star_.

The day following that on which the captain arrived was Sunday, and, as
usual, the smacks whose skippers had become followers of the Lord Jesus
began to draw towards the mission-ship with their Bethel-flags flying.
Among them was the new admiral--Joe of the _Evening Star_. His vessel
was pointed out, of course, to the captain as she approached. We need
scarcely say that he looked at her with unusual interest, and was glad
when her boat was lowered to row part of her crew to the service about
to be held in the hold of the gospel-ship.

It was natural that Captain Bream should be much taken with the simple
cheery manners of the admiral, as he stepped aboard and shook hands all
round. It was equally natural that he should take some interest, also,
in John Gunter, for was it not obvious that that worthy was a fine
specimen of the gruff, half